Adopting more responsible digital behaviours

From March 9 to 13, 2026, HELHa reaffirmed its commitment to more responsible digital practices by raising awareness among students and staff during the Responsible Digital Week. The goal was clear: to rethink digital habits and encourage a collective shift towards more sustainable and mindful use of technology.  

Through thematic newsletters and concrete actions, HELHa highlighted several ways to reduce its environmental footprint. 

Understanding the impact of digital technology 

To adopt more responsible practices, it is essential to understand that every interaction with artificial intelligence has a different environmental impact. 

For example: 

• A simple text-based search is equivalent to using a laptop for about 2 seconds  
• Generating an image corresponds to charging a smartphone by 5–6%  
• Generating a 5-second video is almost equivalent to running a full dishwasher cycle 

Best practice: Use traditional search engines for simple queries and opt for tools like Microsoft Copilot when appropriate. 

HELHa’s added value: the institution provides students and staff with a dedicated support platform that centralises guides, tutorials, and resources related to digital tools. 

Simple actions for everyday use 

Adopting more responsible digital habits starts with simple actions: 

• Connectivity: prioritise Wi-Fi over 4G/5G (which consumes up to 10 times more energy)  

• Digital sobriety: disable unnecessary geolocation, block ads, limit notifications, and adjust video quality to screen size  

• Printing: print only when necessary, and use black-and-white and double-sided settings by default  

These actions are part of the challenges proposed by the Uni for Change platform, which encourages the gradual adoption of more responsible habits in environmental and social transition. 

Extending the lifespan of equipment 

The production of digital devices accounts for a significant share of their environmental impact. Extending their lifespan is therefore a key priority. 

HELHa promotes durable and energy-efficient equipment, including devices certified by ENERGY STAR and EPEAT. 

Computers are replaced on average every: 

• 6 years for laptops  
• 7 years for desktop computers  

Whenever possible, users are given the option to purchase their equipment at the end of its lifecycle. 

HELHa is also gradually reducing the number of printers and copiers without systematically replacing them. In the near future, landline phones will be replaced by Microsoft Teams. 

Finally, obsolete equipment is donated to the non-profit organisation Droit et Devoir, giving it a second life. 

A collective commitment 

This Responsible Digital Week served as a reminder that digital technology also has a real environmental impact. 

Through these awareness-raising actions, HELHa encourages more thoughtful and responsible use of technology. Every action counts in building a more sustainable digital future.